After two impressive victories, Nice travels to Rennes for a challenging match that could allow them to climb up the rankings.
After a winless August (2 draws, 2 losses), Rennes started September with a convincing victory against OM (1-3) thanks to goals from their new signings Wahbi Khazri and Benjamin Bourigeaud and defender Joris Gnagnon. For the Gym’s visit, Christian Gourcuff has called up a squad of 18 players, including Ramy Bensebaini, who was absent in Marseille.
Transformed since the international break, the Eagles have scored 9 goals in 2 matches, against Monaco in the league (4-0) and against Zulte Waregem in the Europa League (1-5). Suspended in Belgium, Vincent Koziello returns to the squad, unlike Wesley Sneijder, who injured his ankle before the Monaco match, and has already missed the last 2 games. Patrick Burner, Bassem Srarfi, Racine Coly, Vincent Marcel, and Hicham Mahou have been called up with the reserve team to face US Colomiers yesterday afternoon (1-1).
The Rennes squad
Goalkeepers: Gertmonas, Koubek
Defenders: Traoré, Danzé, Baal, Nyamsi, Afonso, Gnagnon, Bensebaini
Midfielders: Bourigeaud, André, Amalfitano, Prcic, Khazri, Léa-Siliki, Maouassa
Forwards: Mubele, Sarr
The Nice squad
Goalkeepers: Cardinale, Benitez
Defenders: Souquet, Marlon, Le Marchand, Sarr, Jallet, Dante
Midfielders: Seri, Lees-Melou, Walter, Mendy, Lusamba, Koziello
Forwards: Saint-Maximin, Balotelli, Plea, Ganago
The referee
Sunday’s match between Rennes and Nice (at 5 PM at Roazhon Park) will be refereed by Nicolas Rainville. He will be assisted by Laurent Stien and Mehdi Rahmouni.
